Daily Readings - Sun Sep 07 2025
Philemon
9yet I appeal to you on the basis of love. I then, as Paul--an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus--10I appeal to you for my son Onesimus, who became my son while I was in chains.12I am sending him--who is my very heart--back to you.13I would have liked to keep him with me so that he could take your place in helping me while I am in chains for the gospel.14But I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that any favor you do will be spontaneous and not forced.15Perhaps the reason he was separated from you for a little while was that you might have him back for good--16no longer as a slave, but better than a slave, as a dear brother. He is very dear to me but even dearer to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.17So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me.
Luke
25Large crowds were traveling with Jesus, and turning to them he said:26"If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters--yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple.27And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.28"Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?29For if he lays the foundation and is not able to finish it, everyone who sees it will ridicule him,30saying, 'This fellow began to build and was not able to finish.'31"Or suppose a king is about to go to war against another king. Will he not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand men to oppose the one coming against him with twenty thousand?32If he is not able, he will send a delegation while the other is still a long way off and will ask for terms of peace.33In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.
Sermon
In today’s readings, we are invited to reflect on the nature of discipleship and our relationship with God. The first reading from the Book of Wisdom reminds us of the limitations of human understanding and the need for divine wisdom. It highlights our inability to fully grasp God’s plans without the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This humbles us, acknowledging that our perceptions and foresight are incomplete, and that true wisdom comes from above.
The second reading from the Letter to Philemon offers a powerful example of reconciliation and compassion. Paul appeals to Philemon to welcome Onesimus, a former slave, as a brother in Christ. This reading challenges us to see others through the eyes of God, valuing spiritual bonds over worldly relationships. It calls us to live out our faith in practical ways, prioritizing love and forgiveness.
In the Gospel, Jesus presents a radical challenge: to follow Him, we must be willing to let go of everything, even our closest relationships and possessions. This is not about hating our loved ones, but about recognizing that our ultimate allegiance is to God. Jesus uses the parables of the tower builder and the king going to war to emphasize the need for discernment and commitment. True discipleship requires us to count the cost and be willing to carry our cross daily.
These readings remind us that following Christ is not a part-time endeavor but a total commitment. They call us to humility, compassion, and radical trust in God. As we navigate our daily lives, let us ask for the wisdom to see beyond our limitations, the grace to love as God loves, and the courage to embrace the challenges of discipleship with faith and perseverance.